Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Le Mans '66
Raiting: 
8 /10
Genre: Sport
Director: James Mangold
Stars: Christian Bale, Matt Damon and Jon Bernthal
Country: United States
Release date: 13 November 2019
Length: 152 minutes
"Ford v Ferrari", directed by James Mangold, is a high-octane biographical drama that races through the true story of the American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and the fearless British race car driver Ken Miles. Set in the 1960s, the film chronicles their journey to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Company with the aim to challenge the dominance of Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing.
The narrative ignites with a determined Henry Ford II, who decides to revamp Ford's image by entering the racing world. After a failed attempt to purchase Ferrari, Ford's quest for racing glory becomes personal. Carroll Shelby, played by Matt Damon, is recruited to design the perfect race car. Shelby, whose own racing career is cut short by a heart condition, sees this as an opportunity to achieve something remarkable. He enlists the help of Ken Miles, portrayed by Christian Bale, an exceptionally skilled but hot-headed driver with a reputation for being difficult to work with.
Shelby and Miles face a series of challenges as they develop the Ford GT40. They battle corporate interference from Ford, engineering struggles, and their own personal demons. The film delves into the complexities of their partnership, highlighting their differences but also the mutual respect that forms the backbone of their collaboration. The tension is not just in the design and testing of the car, but also in the boardroom, as Shelby maneuvers to keep Ford's executives at bay, who are skeptical of Miles' unpredictable nature.
The climax of the film is the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1966, where Shelby and Miles aim to dethrone Ferrari's reign. The race is depicted with gripping intensity, capturing the essence of endurance racing—the speed, the strategy, and the sheer will to cross the finish line. The film pays tribute to the skill and dedication of the team behind the Ford GT40 and the personal sacrifice of Ken Miles, whose contribution to the car's success was unparalleled.
"Ford v Ferrari" is not just a film about racing; it's a story of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With stellar performances, exquisite period detail, and thrilling racing sequences, the film captures the spirit of a bygone era of motorsport, where the line between victory and catastrophe was as thin as the edge of a knife.
Top cast - Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Trailer - Ford v Ferrari (2019)
James Mangold's "Ford v Ferrari" is a riveting and exhilarating portrayal of one of the most thrilling chapters in the history of motorsports. Released in 2019, the film takes audiences back to the 1960s, an era when the battle for supremacy in the world of endurance racing was as much about national pride as it was about the cars on the track. The movie tells the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby and British driver Ken Miles as they challenge the racing dominance of Enzo Ferrari's formidable team.
Matt Damon and Christian Bale lead the cast with dynamic performances as Shelby and Miles, respectively. Damon embodies Shelby with a blend of Southern charm and tenacity, while Bale delivers a fiery and passionate portrayal of the maverick driver Ken Miles. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, providing the film with a solid emotional core amidst the roaring engines and screeching tires. Their performances are supported by a strong ensemble cast that adds depth to the film's depiction of the era's corporate and racing cultures.
The direction by James Mangold is masterful, capturing the essence of the period with meticulous attention to detail. The racing sequences are some of the most authentic and heart-pounding ever put to film, giving viewers a visceral sense of the danger and excitement that comes with high-stakes motorsport. The sound design and cinematography work in concert to put the audience in the driver's seat, offering an immersive experience that's both thrilling and intense.
While "Ford v Ferrari" excels in its action-packed racing scenes, it's also a deeply human story. The film explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness. It doesn't shy away from the corporate politics that come into play, nor does it gloss over the personal struggles faced by its protagonists. The screenplay is tight and well-paced, ensuring that the film's runtime is as engaging as it is emotionally resonant.
Some may argue that the film takes creative liberties with historical events, but such is the nature of biographical storytelling in cinema. "Ford v Ferrari" doesn't claim to be a documentary; instead, it's a tribute to the spirit of its subjects, and it succeeds in making their story accessible and inspiring to a modern audience.
In conclusion, "Ford v Ferrari" is a triumph of filmmaking that combines spectacular racing action with a compelling narrative. It's a must-watch for racing enthusiasts and cinephiles alike, offering a high-octane experience that's as moving as it is entertaining. Mangold and his team have crafted a film that stands as a testament to the power of determination and the enduring allure of the racetrack.